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View Full Version : Frozen pipes and insulating them?


ktmoore
Dec 8, 2008, 05:27 PM
The snow just started flying. And we purchased a home with crawl spaces. Our pipes froze up today as I predicted. My question is... What is the best way to insulate the pipes to keep them from freezing.

twinkiedooter
Dec 8, 2008, 05:30 PM
Buy a product that is called Frosty Tape. Basically it is tape with a "heater" embedded into the tape that you plug into an outlet. It reminds you of a miniature electric blanket. I work for a manufactured home dealer and we use this product under mobile homes and modular homes that are on crawlspaces. Some customers keep the tape plugged in all year as it draws very little power and then they don't have to get under their house to plug it in.

Also, to keep your pipes from freezing (even though you have the heat tape installed and plugged in) I would suggest leaving your cold water running in a fast trickle in the kitchen sink when it gets below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure the sink drain is clear!!

ballengerb1
Dec 8, 2008, 08:15 PM
Where do you live, that might help us know if we need to call out the Army or what.

twinkiedooter
Dec 9, 2008, 04:13 PM
I forgot to mention that you need to close the vents in the crawl space in the colder months. That can also help.

FAST PLUMBERMAN
Dec 9, 2008, 07:00 PM
Stop the draft! Insulate against the cold weather and the pipes